Authorities believe the fire started after Garner's 18-year-old sister left a pot of grease on the stove and walked outside to take out the trash. When the teenager returned, she was forced out by heavy smoke and couldn't retrieve her sister.

The fire burned for more than three hours, spreading to more than 10 apartments before it was brought under control.

Monte said four people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, which were not from burns, but while trying to escape.